Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced $533 million in new aid to fight famine in East Africa and the Lake Chad region, in a move aimed at underscoring the U.S. commitment as he embarks on a five-nation trip to the continent.
The funds will also help deliver health programs to prevent the spread of deadly diseases like cholera to millions of people.
“The American people, as we always have been, are there to partner with African countries to ensure their most vulnerable populations receive life-saving assistance”, Tillerson said.
“We also call upon others to join us in meeting the growing humanitarian needs in Africa. The alarming levels of hunger in these areas are largely man-made, as conflicts erupt and people flee their homes.”
Tillerson stressed that the assistance will not solve these ongoing conflicts, but only “buy us time – time to pursue diplomatic solutions”.
